Caol Ila 19 Years Old 1997 Spirits Shop’ Selection (Sansibar)

From the bottler Sansibar, a 19 year old Caol Ila, distilled in 1997, bottled at 40.2%, one of 599 bottles. Caol Ila was founded in 1846 by Hector Henderson. A few weeks each year the distillery runs an unpeated, Highland style spirit.

It was distilled slowly from peated malt for a refined island smoke, for the light, maritime smoke Caol Ila is known for. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin, fig and a savoury edge. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend dried fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, structured grip, the smoke now mellow. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character.

Reduced to 40.2%, it is mellow. A smoky, briny coastal character, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. The finish is long, smoky and citrussy. This is a refined, citrus driven Islay smoke.